Swastikas painted on trees in a forest in Barrie, Ontario are being investigated by police as a hate crime, CTV News reported.
The swastikas were found by a local resident of the city, which is located 60 miles north of Toronto.
Rabbi Mendel Nakkar of the Chabad Jewish Centre of Barrie called the incident “very disturbing.”
"I know of Jewish families who, unfortunately, don't like to put the mezuzah on their doors because of fear that people will know they're Jewish and maybe somebody will come and paint the swastika on their door,” he told CTV.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nutall denounced the graffiti, which was removed by city workers the next day.
"This type of vandalism is extremely disturbing," Nuttall said in a statement. "We will not tolerate any messages or symbols that promote hatred in our community."
Rabbi Nakkar said the community remained strong and would not be intimidated.
"We as a community, although we are a minority here, we are strong. We don't let things like this phase us,” he said. “We have to know that we are Jews and proud Jews, and we will continue to be proud Jews.”